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THCV: Will you test positive in a police test?
As you know, certain substances, such as THC, are prohibited by law due to their psychoactive effects. These are referred to as ‘narcotics’; their use is not only discouraged but also punishable under European legislation. Tetrahydrocannabinol has long been classified by the WHO (World Health Organisation) as a psychoactive substance. Although the WHO has an ambivalent stance on the issue of cannabis and recognises its medicinal benefits, THC remains an illegal substance with implications for general health.
THC-V therefore poses a problem for users. A fear looms large: police checks. Can you test positive for this cannabinoid? Are you within your rights? What should you do if you test positive?
Key takeaways:
- THCV is legal, but its molecular similarity to THC can lead to positive screening tests.
- The saliva tests used by the police can confuse THCV with THC, resulting in a false positive.
- If you test positive, it is advisable to show your THCV purchases and request further testing.
- To avoid testing positive, use a self-test or an anti-THC spray before getting behind the wheel.
THC-V: a legal cannabinoid
The first thing to say, and to reiterate, is: yes, THC-V is legal. This little-known cannabinoid does not have the same chemical composition as THC. Whilst the consumption and sale of THC can lead to legal proceedings ranging from a minor offence to a criminal offence, THC-V remains legal to sell, buy and consume.
This cannabinoid develops naturally in hemp plants. It is obtained through the ‘decarboxylation’ of THCVA, a hemp acid that breaks down into THC-V as the plant grows in the sun.
THC is illegal if its concentration exceeds 0.2% in a given product or in natural hemp flowers. THC-V, on the other hand, may be present regardless of the quantity. It is not classified as a narcotic. You are therefore fully within your rights to buy or consume THC-V.
>>Buy THCV products from Sixty8<<
Can THCV be detected during a police check?
Does THCV cause a positive result?
It is a legitimate question as to whether regular consumption of THCV could result in a positive test, as it would appear that this cannabinoid has the potential to cause a positive result during a routine police check.
The main issue is the lack of reliability of the tests currently available. In fact, most of the time, police officers carry out their tests using saliva samples. It would appear that the molecular similarity between THC-V and THC can lead to a false result. So, even though you have consumed THC-V, the test indicates that it is THC!
This does happen, but don’t panic! THC-V is, in fact, 100% legal in France. While THC-V may result in a positive test, this does not mean you are not allowed to consume it. You will then need to prove to the police that your consumption is indeed legal. We’ll get to that!
THC is the main culprit
Furthermore, whilst THC-V could cause a positive result in your tests, it does not appear to be the primary culprit. It is actually THC, present in small quantities, that is sometimes capable of triggering a reaction in saliva tests. In this case, whether you have consumed THCV, CBD or any other legal cannabinoid, it is possible that you will test positive.
Once again, if you have only consumed legal flowers or products containing less than 0.2% THC, you are within your rights. It is then a matter of proving that you have not consumed THC-containing cannabis.
What are the different THC screening tests?
There are several tests available to determine whether or not you have tested positive for THC.
- The saliva test: very common during roadside checks, the saliva test has the advantage of being very quick. However, it is not always accurate!... or, conversely, too accurate! The police may easily assume you have consumed THC when you have actually taken CBD or THCV, which are legal cannabinoids. Simply put, the test detects the THC molecule very quickly, even when it is present at less than 0.2% in your products.
- The blood test: more accurate, it allows for the confirmation of a positive THC result.
- The urine test: like the blood test, it helps to complete a screening.
- The hair test: this test has the advantage of providing ‘long-term’ evidence. Unlike other screening methods, a hair sample can reveal what you have consumed over several months.
>>Buy a THC test from the shop<<
What should you do if you test positive for THCV?
If you’ve been caught out by a positive THC test even though you only use legal products, you might find yourself dealing with police officers who aren’t exactly easy to reason with. This is hardly surprising when you consider thatone in five fatal accidents is caused by a driver under the influence of drugs.
If you test positive in the breath test, you will therefore need to prove that you are in the right.
1. Show your THCV purchases
Your first step should be to show the officer proof that your positive result is linked to another cannabinoid. To do this, simply show your packet of THCV and a receipt.
2. Remind the officer that this product is legal
Ignorance of the law is no excuse… but many people are unaware of it! A gentle reminder is in order. It is not THCV that is illegal, but THC.
3. Ask for further tests
Don’t pick a fight if the officer still won’t let you go. Simply ask for further laboratory tests, which will prove that it was indeed THC-V that you consumed and not THC.
Precautions: how to avoid testing positive for THCV?
With a self-test
Before setting off, you can check for potential THC positivity with a saliva test. Our tests are just as accurate as those used by the police.
For even greater accuracy, you can use a urine test.
>> Discover the THC urine test <<
With an anti-THC spray
Certain products break down the THC-V molecules in your saliva, preventing saliva tests from detecting residual traces of THC.
>> Discover our anti-THC spray <<
Some recommendations
Although THC-V has many benefits, it is not suitable for certain activities. We strongly advise against consuming it before driving or performing a task that requires concentration.
Even though the product is legal, please consume it in moderation and at appropriate times.
See also
- What is THC-V?
